ENG 441 Contemporary Cinema

Shilina-Conte :: W 5:00PM – 7:40PM :: CFA 112
Reg# 17611

This course will be structured around the contemporary cutting-edge paradigm of the theory of the senses in film studies. Cinema is traditionally regarded as an audio-visual medium, but in our course we will transgress the borders of this bilateral definition, aiming at a multisensory or “embodied experience of cinema” (Laura Marks). In this class we will interpret not only the ways we “see” and “hear” films, but also explore them through our senses of touch, smell and even taste. As Thomas Elsaesser points out, “film and spectator are like parasite and host, each occupying the other and being in turn occupied.” This synesthetic experience and unique approach of confrontation and conflation with the screen through our Mind, Body and Senses will open for us new modes of knowing and representing the world through film and media. It will help us to cultivate a deeper appreciation of cinema as an art form, and discover the “hidden senses” (both literally and metaphorically). The class will also give you an opportunity to learn more about yourself in terms of engaging your mind and spirit in ways that you haven’t thought of before. The assigned readings will include excerpts and articles by Linda Williams, Laura Marks, Vivian Sobchack, Jennifer Barker, Hamid Naficy, Thomas Elsaesser, Elena del Rio and others. By definition, exploration of taste and smell will include screenings and discussions of food in the movies. We will sample different cuisines around the world:  Babette’s Feast by Axel (French), Eat Drink Man Woman by Ang Lee (Chinese), Tampopo by Itami (Japanese, and the first “noodle western”), Big Night by Scott and Tucci (Italian), Like Water for Chocolate by Arau (Mexican), and Chocolat by  Hallstrom (for dessert), which will provide us a lot of “food for thought.” Make sure you eat before you come to class!